[center [b Autumn flowing hair gorgeous green eyes and a beaming smile. Arthur was a man born with a lot going for him wasn't he? Though he wasn't very vain of these aspects he was grateful for everything he had.]]

[center [b Parents who loved him dearly and a younger sister he was more than proud of. As the young man walked under the starlit sky looking into his phone as he placed it in his back pocket.]]

[center [b He smiled as he pondered about the tweets he shared with his friends. Should they go to the carnival coming to town? Or was it a circus? It wasn't really Arthur's idea but they seemed eager to do so and he loved to hang out with his friends. It didn't hurt there was going to be a lot of pretty girls there! He wasn't exactly flirtatious but he was friendly! He may have kept it to himself but he did love to see a pretty girl smiling. He had a few crushes of his own actually not counting his favorite two dimensional waifu's of course! Something his friends would surely judge him for.]]

[center [b Though he wasn't that direct he wasn't exactly anti social either he was a bit of a spaz. A dork a goofball who always found a way to make others laugh he's been through his fair share of friendships and relationships. He was just as social on obscure websites on the internet he loved to talk to anyone he wasn't afraid of strangers. Sure he was a bit nervous at first but give him enough time and he was a chatty cathy.]]

[center [b He was already thinking about which friend he was going to play video games with afterwards. Serah? Alvin? Vincent? Or which girl he'd try and spend some alone time with... He was a bit girl crazy he wasn't eager to stay single for very long. Though he always had stayed single for quiet some time.]]

[center [b Would this trip change that he wondered. He was a bit tired of the flirtationships or playful banter. Though he'd never have the backbone to tell anyone that. He was pretty bad at talking about his feelings.]]

[center [b Though regardless or not he got to spend time with any cute girls he would have fun! He might even meet new people fellow otaku's! It was hard having so very few friends dork it out with him. Sure he called them "nerds" but to him they were the coolest people he would ever know.]]

[center [b "Thinking of which" he was out here to meet a friend of his hopefully they'd get to spend some time together! Hang out it was Friday night after all it was hard for seniors to get some down time.]]

[center [b Alvin had been sitting on a bench for some time as he swayed his feet back and forth. He was waiting for his friend Arthur they were going to go out and eat and play some video games at his house. Alvin was too shy to text him again he didn't want to annoy him and despite his meek and timid appearance he was excited for tonight! He was roaring to go he always dominated against or even with Arthur but he wasn't very cocky about that. If anything Arthur was the talkative one Alvin was a bit jealous of that.]]

[center [b Arthur was always so funny and full of life people loved to spend time around him. Despite being very jealous of the man he was like the brother he never had. Alvin did have a younger brother but they hardly hung out he spent more time with Arthur than anything. Arthur was always talking about meeting a nice girl and settling down at such a young age would they hang out as often when that happened? Alvin was a sucker for a pretty face too he was a hopeless romantic but he couldn't admit that to Arthur. Arthur was never afraid to talk to a pretty girl or.. Anyone really. Alvin was a bit socially anxious.. Arthur showed him a few places online he could open up and he made some friends.]]

[center [b Alvin sighed as his shoulders slouched when he was alone his thoughts always wondered. How alone he was how online people were mostly rude to him despite his attempts to help others. How he was so disconnected with others as a whole. His luck with love was anything but good and his distance from his brother growing made it only harder. He felt with his poor grades and lack of motivation he found himself depressed rather often wondering what his purpose was in life. Did he have a purpose? Or did he simply exist... To exist? All he did was shut himself in and entertain himself.]]

[center [b Hopefully this trip to the circus would change that.]]

[center [+green Arthur come ooonnn..]]

[center [b He muttered softly to himself rather bored as he felt a tug on his shirt. And a rather familiar and cheerful chuckle.]]

[center [b Alvin laughed as his stress and worries melted away a bit his brain always did turn off when he was having fun. This is where it started where they would have a good night! With that both of their phones had gone off as they flipped them open scrolling through their text Arthur couldn't help but gleam in a bright smile. Alvin was... Anxious but excited all the same.]]

[center [+green They..]]

[center [+brown Set it for tonight! Plus Serah isn't grounded anymore! Man her father can be strict AF huh? Wow! Maybe Vincent can show up too? I'm so freaking pumped man!]]

[center [+green Y-Yeah!]]

[center [b Alvin stuttered a bit as he smiled as the two began to walk across the town it'd take a bit to get there. Almost... like a journey to start! Alvin loved to think of things in a strange ways perhaps it was because he was such an otaku. He was always comparing life to anime and sure Arthur loved it too but Alvin... Well he constantly wished he was born in a different world. Every anime had a main character who was an otaku hated life and than... Boom! Fantasy world! Pretty girls! Crazy adventure! The awkward otaku always found a way to brave it through. Sure some anime even went through the aspect of it's realism or how hard it really would be. Alvin wouldn't care if it meant risking his life he'd rather die in a fantasy world than in this stupid world.]]

[center [b Alvin was an anti social rather depressed young man who's thought of suicide more than once or twice. Sure it wasn't for no reason either a tough break up or losing a close friend he just found it hard to maintain a meaningful relationship with anyone. He was a guy who even managed to lose his own flesh and blood. His mother was the only constant in his life one could call him a mama's boy in that aspect. He always wanted a cause he could throw himself to or a purpose despite his lack of skills. Something that... He could be proud of.]]

[center [b When Arthur was around he noticed how reckless and careless Alvin was. It was apparent he didn't care if he lived or died. He did care... HOW he died he wanted it to be something people could remember him for. Something... Heroic something that meant something maybe saved someone else. Was an out? A way to escape? Sure maybe he didn't mean it maybe he's just been upset lately. These thoughts have crossed his mind but still he felt the same regardless.]]

[center [b As Alvin walked side by side Alvin had turned the volume up on his phone playing a song from one of Alvin's favorite anime. Well.. Come to think of it Arthur loved it to didn't he?]]

[center [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSM9YLonOog]]

[center [+brown Man I love this video I always call it a song but it's.. More like a OST right? It's pretty cool.]]

[center [b Alvin smiled a bit awkwardly as the two had a rather peaceful walk to the circus. What Alvin hadn't realized at the time was how today. This moment and this simple Friday out would change the rest of his life. Would he have gone? Would he have ran away? Or only been more so eager? Regardless this is his story the choices he made than can't be reconciled now.]]

[center [b As time passed Arthur and Alvin had made their way to the circus it was a strange festival indeed. They had a few attractions available before and after the show. Arthur and Alvin paying for their tickets a man wearing a long robe had given a sly smile welcoming them to the attraction.]]

[center [+brown Oh their going for one of those creepy things huh? That means the girls might have to cling to us huh? Haha kidding kidding!]]

[center [b Arthur chuckled scratching at his cheek as the two waited at the entrance. Alvin offered a weak but friendly smile he could feel himself getting a bit sweaty he was anxious. Maybe he should have asked his friend to stay home and play video games he could feel himself sweating more and more. He took a deep breath as he held onto to his own scarf in the cold. As he let out a breath of cold air he could hear people entering laughing and giggling as well as screaming from some of the attractions followed by more laughter.]]

[center [b The noises and air all began to fill his head as he found himself daydreaming. Though it wasn't long before a small group approached Alvin and Arthur... Oh it was Arthur's friends. Alvin was "friends" with them as well but... He kept to himself mostly.]]

[center [pic http://i.imgur.com/jGqN4J5.jpg]]

[center [pic http://i.imgur.com/0NOtEdc.png]]

[center [+brown Hey Vince! Hey Serah how are you two lovebirds doing?]]

[center [b Arthur said as he let out his usual dorkish laugh as Vincent rubbed at his neck giving a casual shrug as he smiled. Serah had playfully rolled her eyes at him as Arthur laughed at his own humor. So they were still dating huh? Not that it bothered Arthur sure he was a tad jealous but it was sweet all the same.]]

[center [+blue Hey Arthur hey Alvin so we invited a few friends from one of our science class that cool?]]

[center [b Alvin had looked up at the two as he blinked a bit he had mumbled looking away from the two.]]

[center [+green I.. Umm.. Just s-studying..]]

[center [b That was of course a lie catching up on the new games of the year and some more anime. Same old same old but they'd judge him for doing nothing productive like getting a job or looking into education. He was a NEET through and through yeah he was a STUDENT but he hardly felt like it at times. When people asked how is life was it really hit home how little he was doing with his life. Why? Why did he have no motivation to do anything? Lazy? Lack of passion? What was it?]]

[center [b As the three had idle conversation the atmosphere lightened up a bit. Alvin even added a piece here or there but he kept silent for the most part as he listened to them talking. Adding a word here or there. Though as two girls entered the entrance Serah had waved frantically at the two as they paid at the front. They made their way over one was rather bright and cheery with a smile. The other? Seemed a bit more slow shy and reserved she even hard darker hair to match. Though Alvin had noticed instantly Vincent wasn't lying they were... Adorable. Arthur was already checking them out but he hadn't met anything strange by it just admiring how pretty they were.]]

[center [+pink Hi guys! These are my friends I was talking about! So I guess here's a chance for everyone to meet each other?]]

[center [b The bright haired girl with a brimming smile seemed social and direct enough as she stepped forward extending a hand out.]]

[center [+orange Hi! My names Vanessa! It's nice to meet you guys!!]]

[center [b Arthur's smile had weakened a bit but not too much as he eagerly shook her hand. His smile returning to it's usual state as he introduced himself with a cheery tone himself.]]

[center [+brown Arthur it's nice to meet you! What's you're name?]]

[center [b He asked the second girl as she looked down for a second before looking back up. As she clung to her sleeves her voice meek sweet and soft.]]

[center [+lightblue My name is Emma nice to meet you.]]

[center [b Alvin had fidgeted as he considered to shake their hands but he wasn't sure. It wasn't long before Arthur had shaken her hand as he patted Alvin on the shoulder softly.]]

[center [+brown Yeah what is you're name man? Kidding kidding! This is Alvin we go way back! He's a bit shy but don't worry you'll grow on him quick he's super friendly! He deals with my ass after all!]]

[center [b Alvin let out a soft sigh of relief Arthur was always their for him wasn't he? It was moments like these that made Alvin wonder why he always had a pity party. Well.. one day Arthur would grow up get a job have a life have a passion and Alvin would be doing what? Could they still be friends? Most likely not.. So why not get a life? Not so hard right? It was hard to explain that feeling... The feeling of wanting to close yourself off the world. Alvin hated being around others having to talk or socialize with others and yet? Here he was hoping to have a good time to maybe change that. It always... Well it never ended well for him really.]]

[center [+blue Okay now that's outta the way I want to show you guys the real reason I wanted to come here! Their is an attraction called the Witches Broth and yeah it sounds cheesy as hell. Though I saw some shit that made it look pretty creepy! If not we can just make fun of it. I'm kinda curious ya know?]]

[center [+pink Yeah me too babe we can do it alone before the show if you guys don't wanna come?]]

[center [b Though despite her offer it was apparent they had all wanted to stay as a group. As they talked it out they had found the attraction as a man wearing a dark cloak wearing a top hat and holding a cane welcomed them in.]]

[center "My mistress has been awaiting you."]

[center [b As they laughed at the cheesiness even Alvin found himself with a small smile. Though being the last one to walk in the man looked at Alvin with a devious smile and staring into his eyes.]]

[center "Certainly you young man."]

[center [b Well clearly it was part of the show. At haunted rides and such they always singled Alvin out for being so quiet he seemed to be a weak link. Though this sort of stuff never really creeped him out to be honest. Though he.. Was happy to finally get out of the house at least well partly anyhow.]]

[center [b As the six advanced forward they found only cheesy jump scares and attempts to scare them. Bad actors pleading for help as the "ghouls and gobs" murdered them. Serial killers and this whole theme that a witch was controlling them. "A witch get's what she wants" it was kinda silly they were a bit old for this huh? Well it wasn't directed at kids anyhow but it was silly.]]

[center [b As they began to laugh and make fun of the event Alvin had found himself making a joke to himself. As he mumbled softly in all the racket.]]

[center [+green If she gets what she wants why not ask for a better show..?]]

[center [b Though he had spoken louder than he had wanted Emma had overheard him. She had looked over as she giggled softly into her sleeve she wasn't the only one. He had managed to get a chuckle from everyone actually.]]

[center [+brown Haha wow man harsh don't you think?]]

[center [+blue Savage!]]

[center [b Alvin smiled weakly but as they continued on that joke making more he found himself laughing a bit. They were being friendly weren't they? That was nice to say the least he found himself looking over to Emma a few times. She had looked over and than away a few times. She was... Beautiful it was hard not to notice that much was for certain. As they ventured forward their split multiple baths in a dark corridor as another man dressed the same as the first stood there as he bowed. Taking his hat off as he placed it back on his head he began to explain this part of the attraction.]]

[center "Ladies and gents for this part of the journey the witch implores you to find self discovery! Intimate discovery of others! As we delve into the human mind! I ask you to split up into three groups of two and select a path!]

[center [+brown Well I don't mind who I go with I'm sure Serah and Vincent will pair up right?]]

[center [+blue Yeah but you shouldn't go with Alvin! I'd like for him to try coming out of his shell a bit.]]

[center [+pink Ya know? I honestly was gonna say the same thing about Emma you two are so quiet! Maybe you two should go together?]]

[center [+purple A-Ahh! You're so embarrassing I'm not five! Sorry for being so quiet!]]

[center [+orange I agree we can go together okay Arthur?]]

[center [+brown Oh um.. Sure sounds good I think!]]

[center [b And with a bit of flustered arguing from Alvin and Emma it wasn't long before everyone had chosen a path. Alvin had began to walk beside Emma as the two looked away they wandered deeper as the lights began to dim. Alvin had pulled out his phone has he used it as a flash light. Though she had looked at it noticing the background was an anime wallpaper.]]

[center [+purple Is that..?]]

[center [+green Oh I it's uhh...]]

[center [+purple I.. I love that anime!]]

[center [+green Wait... You do? Really y-y-you've seen it..?]]

[center [+purple The main character was my favorite oh and the main girl? It's been awhile but I really liked it, it was kinda creepy too. The demon maid was pretty cute!]]

[center [+green Y-Yeah and the way he introduced himself? "I'm unemployed and broke beyond belief!" I-I was like same though!]]

[center [b Alvin laughed it was a silly scene people don't scream that kinda thing when they meet someone. Though as he turned around Emma's smile faded perhaps that joke.. Came out kinda awkward? He didn't land that the best way he had wanted too... The trip was followed by even more awkward jokes. Alvin was trying his best to sort have save the trip but instead he had ended up being rather quiet instead.]]

[center [b Did she not like his sense of humor..? It was a leap for him to even talk this much really... Now he was sounding like a spaz. Arthur must have been doing a better time right? Alvin had began to sweat and sweat as he began to walk faster. He needed a way to avoid this situation to regroup with the others and with Arthur. ]]

[center [b As Alvin began to walk faster it was apparent Emma was keeping pace. He couldn't lose her... not like that right was he really doing this? Trying to escape from a little girl? This felt so tense and she was giving off.. "Yuck" sorta vibes. Damn it this path was going forever no jump scares or nothing just a dark corridor seriously?! So as time went by Alvin found his finger sliding to the side of his phone. As an idea struck him like lightning all at once.]]

[center [+green Emma I think my batteries dyin--]]

[center [b Cutting himself all at once he went to turn the phone off as a man bumped into the two. Another fancy man wearing a top hat as he gave a bow.]]

[center "Now that the witch has learned how you are with another she wishes to see how each of you strive on you're own. I commend thee bravery for ongoing such a valiant task from this point forward. The two of you must select a path on you're own."]

[center [b Saved by this crazy show as Alvin looked right and than left he gave Emma a small wave as she smiled with a wave back. It seemed friendly enough as Alvin took the right path as he began to walk into the almost... No it was pitch black void. It gave him a sort of eerie feeling but he was mostly relieved to be on his own for the most part.]]

[center [b "Now what?" Alvin thought to himself it didn't matter the walk wouldn't kill him. A long silent walk wouldn't hurt it was times like these he could let his mind drift and wander. Though it wasn't too long before he had felt a hard corner stab into his side.]]

[center [+green Ow!]]

[center [b He grunted it was a table right? It was hard to see but before he could see or say anything he heard a woman's voice. A hushed whisper as her voice felt barely audible. All the same it was as clear as could be it sent shivers down his spine. Perhaps it was just a bit creepy he couldn't see her at all in the dark.]]

[center [+purple How quaint a man to walk life trending in darkness. To stumble blinded here I was sure you'd see just fine.]]

[center [b Oh great it's one of those get in your head spooks huh? What is this a show where a woman shows ESP? No magic? They did sign up for this but it was too cheesy for Alvin to take seriously. Though... This woman had sounded dead serious she was a good actor he would give her that. It didn't change the fact how awkward and weird this whole situation made him feel.]]

[center [+green I-I.. Umm...]]

[center [+purple Don't cry not now]]

[center [+green E-Excuse me?]]

[center [b As a light began to glow from the table the woman showed a soft but crooked smile across her face. As a black coat concealed her eyes and forehead from Alvin's forehead. She seemed.. rather beautiful from what he could see.]]

[center [+purple Don't fret little one and don't run. Stand now and realize your purpose in life. Never again feel unsure for I the witch will always stand by your side.]]

[center [b Alvin tilted his head rather confused don't fret? How does she know he wants purpose? No it's one of those guessing games isn't it right? She's just presuming what issues he may have. A messed up little game than isn't it. Don't run... Strange he was just running wasn't he? As she lifted her hand and pointed rightward she whispered a word. Two letters... "Go" he could see her lips but barely hear anything. As the light vanished he heard a stumble and the table was... No way gone? What the hell?]]

[center [b If Alvin wasn't so stressed about socially embarrassing himself in front of Arthur's friends yet again. Like he had always had before he'd admit that was a cool trick. It even stole a small smile though as Alvin walked it wasn't long before a woman had grabbed him from behind small in stature. As she turned Alvin around she had laid her head into his chest.]]

[center [+lightpurple Is that... How you feel...?]]

[center [b That voice was that.. Emma? She caught up with him but what was she going on about? She seemed a little out of it though Alvin couldn't really see anything. As she fumbled her hands trying to find Alvin's face she finally placed her hands around his cheeks. His face began to blush as Emma pressed her nose to his own. As her lips planted themselves upon the corner of his mouth. She had missed but it wasn't long before she let her lips flourish and hit it's mark. Alvin had stood their wide eyed as he leaned in closing his eyes. He didn't know the woman but.. She... Was pretty right? She had a soft voice and she... Right here and now? She had acknowledged him came to show how desperate he was for attention wasn't he?]]

[center [b As the the two pulled apart Alvin had softly uttered her name as she jumped back.]]

[center [+lightpurple Vince-- Wait.. No Alvin is that.. Is that....]]

[center [b And at that the lights had turned on the man from the entrance again showing himself as he took a bow. With a rather cheeky grin.]]

[center "I do hope you enjoyed the our humble show now step this way as the real show is going to begin very soon.]

[center [b Emma's eyes flared up as her nostrils did the same as her eyes began to narrow.]]

[center [+lightpurple What the hell is wrong with you?! If you knew it was me... Why didn't you stop me? Are you really some sicko? You'd take any chance wouldn't you? You haven't stopped staring at me since we started this. You'd let a stranger kiss you because what... She's a girl?!]]

[center [b The girl giggled as she continued to walk by his side she shook her head playfully.]]

[center [+orange Oh your such a charmer to let a lady do that I can't say I'll be able to do much. I have arms like limp noodles boy were screwed something goes wrong.]]

[center [b Arthur laughed he liked that this girl got his sense of humor. He loved to joke around he even had a bad habit of making jokes when things were serious.]]

[center [+brown Think Emma and Alvin are getting it on now as we speak? He's the real charmer! Haha, I'm just kidding he's pretty harmless.]]

[center [+orange Yeah? Are you? Oh and by the way I don't see it happening Emma she... Kinda already has a crush. Course that guy already has a girlfriend ya know girl drama and all that jazz.]]

[center [+brown Oh I get it in fact my type is married women in their thirties.]]

[center [b Arthur pointed at himself with a grin as the two laughed again. Yeah this going perfectly pretty was nice but Arthur was more in tune with... Can a girl get his sense of humor or have one at all. She was pretty funny and the way she brought up girl drama? Sounded like she wasn't into that she wanted to lay back take life easy. That was the vibe he got anyhow. As the two talked and laughed at the silly little jump scares this show through at them. It was a bit disappointing but fun all the same right?]]

[center [b Though as they got to the end of path way they had met up with Vincent and Serah. As the four walked a little further ahead they could hear a voice.. Screaming? Was it part of the show?]]

[center [+orange Guys that's.. That's Emma.]]

[center [b The normally chipper girl said in a worried tone before the others reacted Arthur had ran ahead. It sounded serious like she was upset and the others took a moment before following in suit. As Arthur entered the fray he saw the woman tearing into Alvin as he was backed into a wall as she yelled at him.]]

[center [+brown What... Happened?]]

[center [b Emma turned around panicked as she looked at the ground than at Alvin. Alvin began to answer but she defensively cut him off.]]

[center [+lightpurple H-He tried to kiss me in the dark! I don't e-e-even know this guy!]]

[center [b She teared up as Alvin's eyes popped up with terror and shock as the others came in just for that last bit. Vanessa put her hands over her mouth a bit shocked herself. As Vincent walked over to Alvin.]]

[center [+blue Alvin I know I said they were cute but I meant wait a little longer than that! Also I was kinda just teasing.. That's not all right you scared Emma.]]

[center [+orange I don't wanna be a bitch but Vincent your being a bit too soft on Alvin. Emma has had guys force themselves on her and this is a bit traumatic for her. What if they were alone how much farther would it have gone?]]

[center [b Everyone looked in horror as they looked as they stared at Alvin and than Emma unsure of who to believe. As Vincent spoke up.]]

[center [+blue Alvin I know your Arthur's friend so you gotta be a good guy right? I know you meant no harm but you don't have to lie. Emma's a harmless fly she's not exactly the girl who'd go after a taken man. Her and Serah are like best friends.]]

[center [+brown I..]]

[center [b Arthur had spoken up grabbing at his arm what happened to not having teenage drama? This isn't exactly Arhur's idea of fun but.. Now his friend was in trouble and no one believed him. Alvin began to tear up as he grit his teeth he began to ran for it. As Vanessa grabbed him with a stern look.]]

[center [+orange Whoa you can't just do that!]]

[center [b Alvin panicked and under in distress pushed her away as Vincent grabbed his wrist.]]

[center [+blue Alvin you can't just do that we have to talk about this.]]

[center [+green M-M-Make me!]]

[center [b Alvin growled in a defensive and yet... Angry tone as he pulled his arm away. Vincent had a look that screamed he felt rather challenged. Not to mention attacked Vincent turning the smaller male around as he plowed his fist into Alvin's cheekbone. As Alvin slid back standing his ground as he took a deep breath curling his hands into fist. As he pulled his arm back before throwing a haymaker he let out a quick jab from his left hand to knock Vincent off balance. As his hay maker connected striking Vincent's temple. As Alvin through a hay maker again from the left with all the force he could muster knocking Vincent right on his ass. A lot of brute force was behind the punch.]]

[center [+pink Alvin what the fuck!?]]

[center [b Serah screamed as Arthur stood shocked Alvin took the chance to run away. Before anyone working here would intervene and it wasn't long the host was already over. Alvin delving back into the dark path they came from as Arthur decided to give chase. It was his friend? Yet... He was too afraid to defend Alvin in front of everyone. He believed Alvin but... Why didn't he speak up?]]

[center [h3 Routes Change]]

[center [b As they all yelled at Alvin Arthur took chase as he ran off. As the others shouted at Arthur asking what he was doing he answered with a smile.]]

[center [+brown I know Alvin, he's a good kid this was just a misunderstanding.]]

[center [b Arthur could see them scoffing as they rolled their eyes but he didn't care. Sure it bothered him but he brought Alvin here. Also when push came to shove? Alvin was his best friend and if anything happened Arthur was on his side. Besides since he brought him here anything that happened would be Arthur's fault it was his idea to bring him here after all.]]

[center [b As Alvin turned Arthur went to turn as something wet appeared underneath. As he slipped and fell he hit his head as he went to get back up he felt a strange dizziness. He didn't hit his head.. That hard did he? As everything began to grow black Arthur fell over as he began to pass out.]]

[center [b He had woken up in what... Looked like in a grassy meadow. Seeing blond hair fall in front of his face as his eyes widened he felt a large weight on his back. All around ever as he shuffled up he saw himself wearing rather heavy armor with hair that didn't quite match. A castle? Was he dreaming? What the hell was this?]]

[center [b Guards on top of the castle began to shout at Arthur]]

[center Who goes there?!]

[center [b Arthur wasn't sure how to answer was he going crazy? Dream or not he decided to answer.]]